We are back!

The Virginia General Assembly’s 2025 session opened at noon on January 8. We got off to an unusual start with the City of Richmond's water outage, causing the General Assembly Building to be completely closed until Monday, January 13.  But, we are off and running now!

STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH

Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered his annual "State of the Commonwealth" address.  He highlighted economic gains, education reforms, and public safety improvements. He also invited Carl and Linda McMurray of Taylor's Valley to be his and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin's guests at the address. During Hurricane Helene, Carl and Linda's home was split in two by the flood waters and they were separated - Linda in a 2nd story bedroom and Carl clinging to a bush in the rushing water before they were each rescued. Thanks to the Youngkins for hosting this amazing couple, married for 57 years, who represent the resiliency of all Southwest Virginians!

You and I have been experiencing skyrocketing electric bills from AEP over the last several years. That's one thing I heard loud and clear before I left home for Richmond several weeks ago. So, I filed a bill to address it.

My bill changed over time and the one I presented to the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee allowed localities to do something called "Municipal Aggregation."  Meaning, the local governing body votes on whether they want to join their citizens together to purchase electricity as a group.  Customers would then have the option of opting-in or out of the deal.  One of 26 "competitive service providers" (CSP) approved to operate in Virginia would submit bids for the job. Once selected the CSP would transmit their electricity across the current AEP lines.  Customers would still receive a bill from AEP, but the CSP selected to generate the power would have a line on the bill for "generation." 

SB 1281 was heard and debated for over an hour in committee. We had 136 written testimonies that folks from home sent to my office that were provided to each committee member.  Despite giving it my all, the bill failed to report by a vote of 8-7 (the vote was whether to "pass it by indefinitely", so 8 wanted it to fail and 7 wanted it to pass).

This doesn't stop now.  I will continue my efforts to advocate on your behalf with AEP and in Richmond. There are several other bills floating through the process that may make it through.  My colleague Sen. Mark Peake has SB 1076 that I am a co-sponsor of that I will keep you updated about. 

I will not stop until AEP customers feel meaningful relief and the company gets their rates more in-line with their competitors.

Three proposed amendments to the Constitution of Virginia were considered by the Senate.  All three are sponsored by Democrats and all three have significant issues.  When amendments to our Constitution are proposed, two General Assembly Sessions must pass them, with an election in between.  Then the measures will appear on the following ballot for Virginians to make their voices heard.  If approved by voters, the amendments are adopted into the Constitution.  This is the first vote of the General Assembly.

SJ 247- Abortion

This Amendment is the Democrats' attempt to enshrine abortion rights into Virginia's Constitution. That alone was enough for me to decide to vote against it. But, it's important to point out that this language goes FAR beyond what current Virginia law allows for abortions. This language would strip parents of their right to be a part of their minor child's healthcare decisions, placing them into the hands of strangers.  The language only requires ONE physician to approve a late-term/3rd trimester abortion when current Virginia law requires THREE physicians to approve it. There are no provisions to protect an infant born alive during an abortion procedure and no Hyde amendment language, meaning state funds could be used for abortions.  Finally, there are no protections for religious-affiliated hospitals and no conscience protections for religious hospitals or medical providers.

SJ 248 - Automatic Restoration of Felons' Voting Rights

This Amendment would remove the current process for the Governor to restore the voting rights of felons, at his/her discretion.  It creates a process by which all felons automatically have their voting rights restored following their incarceration, even before full restitution is made.  I am a firm believer in second chances - none of us is a perfect man. However, we must hold accountable those who commit felonies, ensuring they pay their debts. This Amendment does not distinguish between those who commit non-violent vs. violent felonies and I believe that is an important distinction.

SJ 249 - Same Sex Marriage

This Amendment would rewrite the definition of marriage within the Constitution of Virginia. The most notable issue is surrounding religious protections. When we've discussed this language before, the Democrats have included the following exception for clergy: "Religious organizations and clergy acting in their religious capacity shall have the right to refuse to perform any marriage."  This language is NOT included in the current Amendment and that is not ok.  I am a firm believer that marriage is between a man and a woman.  But, if Virginia is going to go down this path despite my vote, we must provide protections for religious freedom and our faith practitioners.  

This year, the General Assembly is scheduled to be in session until February 22. If you are visiting the Capitol during this year’s session, please stop by our offices in Room 512 of the new General Assembly Building. My staff, Angie Hall and Sarah Owen, are happy to assist you with your visit.  You can also let us know your views on any of the issues before the General Assembly by emailing [email protected] or calling (804) 698-7538.

The pace of a short session can be very quick. Six-and-a-half weeks goes by very quickly when you have a lot of work to do! I will provide another update following Crossover - the halfway point of Session where the House and Senate swap bills.  At that point I'll have a clearer picture of legislation that is advancing and I'll also have an update on the Senate's proposed budget. 

Until then,

Senator Travis Hackworth
Virginia State Senator, District 5